Her destination as easily could be Washington, D.C., or any city across the nation where children, parents and education go hand in hand.

Igo has been on the move since June, when she assumed duties as president of the National Parent-Teacher Association.

"It's a passion to me," Igo said. "The opportunity to lead this organization is a great challenge."

PTA has been part of Igo's life for about 25 years, since her five children began attending Plainview public schools. She also has been involved in Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts and 4-H and watched all her children graduate from Plainview High School. Ten of her 11 grandchildren  six in Plainview  attend public schools.

"I've always had a deep interest in what affects children and education," she said.

Igo spearheads an organization with about 6.5 million members and 30,000 local units in 20 percent to 25 percent of the nation's schools.

She said PTA has changed during the years: "It's not the same PTA that used to meet at 3 in the afternoon."

But the goal remains the same  involving parents in partnerships with schools and communities. National PTA has sponsored about 1,000 partnership training sessions during the past three years. She said the group is making specific efforts to reach non-English speaking parents, particularly parents of Hispanic children.

"Our major challenge is involving the total parent community," she said. "There is a role for every parent to play, to be involved in their child's life."

Igo has worked at various levels of the Texas and National PTA organizations.

She was on the Texas PTA board for 10 years, finishing as state president in 1990-92.

Beginning in 1993, she has served as regional vice president, vice president for legislation and president-elect on the National PTA board of directors. She directed legislative and lobbying efforts in Washington, D.C., and oversaw creation of the group's first national image campaign  "Every Child One Voice."

She is the first South Plains resident to serve as National PTA president.

"Shirley's very open to anything," said Texas PTA president Diane Pierce of Lubbock. "She has a global concept. I think it is to our advantage to have her ear and support."

Pierce, who started her two-year term in November, said Igo has been her mentor and role model.

Igo was a stay-at-home mom when she joined PTA in Plainview.

"I would say my perspective of PTA certainly has changed over the years," she said. "Like most parents, I got involved at my children's local school because I felt a great need to know what was going on at the school.

"PTA has changed, but we have never changed our focus, which is children and parent involvement."

She said communication is key for parents who want to be more involved in their children's education.

"It is multiple communication, so the parent is aware of the child's reaction to school, social development in school and with friends and how they're developing in school," she said.

"Parents need a strong communication tie with school. Talk with teachers. Tell them what you expect. Find out what they expect. Make contact with the principal. Establish a relationship with counselors."

Parents also can perform volunteer work for the school. They can serve on committees. They can be school cheerleaders within the community.

"Tell the story, tell what's happening that's good in my school," she said.